Bovine trypanosomosis and its vectors: prevalence and control operations in Kellem Wollega, Western Ethiopia

A cross-sectional study was conducted to estimate the prevalence of bovine trypanosomosis and to assess farmers’ perception of the  disease and its control operations. From October to April 2012, a total of 586 cattle were sampled for the prevalence study. Buffy coat procedure and haematocrit value determination were performed. To capture the fly that was involved in the transmission dynamics, one hundred monopyramidal traps were deployed for 72 hours. A semi-structured questionnaire was conducted to study farmers’  perceptions of the diseases and their control operations. Trypanosomal infections were diagnosed in only 8.7 % (51) of animals. The overall prevalence of trypanosome infection in cattle was significantly varied between study districts (33.1% Dale Sadi and 66.9% Dale Wabera). Most  infections were due to Trypanosoma congolense (81.8%) followed by T. vivax (15.6%) and mixed infections (2.6%). The association of hematological value changes and trypanosome infections was profound. The overall Packed Cell Volume (PCV) values of sampled cattle were 25.8%. A significant (P< 0.05) variation in PCV values was recorded in infected (20.8%) and non-infected (26.5%) cattle. In the study period, a total of 2055 flies were captured and of which 92% belong to the genus Glossina followed by Stomoxys and Tabanids. Four types of tsetse species (G. pallidpes, G. m. morsitans, G. tachinoides, and G. f. fuscipes) were identified. The questionnaire survey revealed that trypanosomosis is the most important problem for agricultural activity and animal production in the study areas. Farmers are well aware of the problem, means of transmission, and the different control methods. Integrating tsetse control program with other trypanosomosis control options is recommended.